Power-regulating charger

ABSTRACT

A power-regulating charger is an apparatus used to manage the flow of electrical power to the battery of a mobile computing device. To accomplish this, the power-regulating charger includes an electrical plug, an output terminal, a shutoff switch, a microcontroller, and a wireless communication module. The electrical plug is a male connection terminal used to connect the power-regulating charger to an external power supply. The output terminal is an electrical terminal used to transfer power from the power-regulating charger into the connected mobile computing device. The shutoff switch is electrically connected between the electrical plug and the output terminal and is used to open the circuit between these two components. The microcontroller is a processing device that directs the shutoff switch to enable or inhibit the transfer of power. The wireless communication module receives commands that are wirelessly transmitted to the power-regulating charger from the mobile computing device.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 62/289,455 filed on Feb. 1, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a smart charging system formobile computing devices. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a charger with wireless connectivity that uses wirelesslytransmitted commands to enable of prevent the flow of electrical powerto a connected mobile computing device. A user of the present inventionis able to limit wasted power, while extending the life of a battery ofa connected mobile computing device, by shutting off current flow to thebattery, once the charge reaches a specified threshold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is estimated that the average smartphone wastes 6.5 kilowatt hour(kWh) a year by being plugged in overnight. While this number representsa fraction of the average American home's annual electrical usage, thenumber becomes significant when applied to multiple devices acrossmultiple homes. With over 117 million homes in the U.S. alone, thisseemingly insignificant figure becomes staggeringly large; rivaling thepower consumption of small countries. Once this number is applied toglobal smartphone usage, it becomes even more evident that the way wecharge smartphones needs to be changed. In addition to wasting vastamount of energy, the practice of leaving smartphones plugged inovernight damages the smartphone's battery. When a smartphone remainsconnected to an external power supply after its battery is fullycharged, the performance of the battery declines. Chronicallyovercharging a battery reduces the battery's lifespan.

The present invention, the power-regulating charger, addresses theseproblems by implementing a smart charging system which turns off theflow of power to a connected smartphone. The present inventionaccomplishes this by actively monitoring the charge stored within asmartphone's battery. Once the charge reaches a predetermined threshold,the present invention turns off the current flow. To ensure the user hasa fully charged device when the user unplugs the phone, the presentinvention restarts the current flow to the smartphone battery once thecharge falls below a predefined threshold. In this way, the presentinvention saves energy and extends the life of smartphone batteries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention, wherein thinnerflowlines represent electrical connections between components, thickerflowlines represent electronic connections between components, anddashed flow lines indicate the components being communicably coupled.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the present invention with a power cordconnecting the output terminal to the mobile computing device, whereinthinner flowlines represent electrical connections between components,thicker flowlines represent electronic connections between components,and dashed flow lines indicate the components being communicablycoupled.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the present invention, thepower-regulating charger, is a charger for a mobile computing device. Itis an aim of the present invention to provide a mobile device chargerthat receives wireless commands to continue or shut off the flow ofelectrical power to the battery of a connected mobile computing device.This functionality prevents wasted energy and battery damage bypreventing excess electrical power from being supplied to a fullycharged battery. To accomplish this, the present invention is equippedwith a wireless radio that communicates with a remote computing devicethat is capable of analyzing the level of charge stored within thebattery of the mobile computing device connected to the presentinvention. The present invention selectively transmits power to theconnected mobile computing device when directed by the remote computingdevice. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobilecomputing device functions as the remote computing device and wirelesslytransmits commands to the charger based on the level of charged storedwithin the mobile computing device internal battery. In a firstalternative embodiment the remote computing device is a remote serverthat issues commands to the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is a power regulatingcharger that is used to deliver electrical power to a connected mobilecomputing device. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises anelectrical plug 2, an output terminal 3, a shutoff switch 4, amicrocontroller 5, and a wireless communication module 6. The electricalplug 2 is an electrical terminal that allows the present invention toreceive electrical power from an external power supply. The outputterminal 3 is an electrical terminal that allows the present inventionto send electrical power to an external electrical load. Preferably, theoutput terminal 3 delivers electrical power required to charge thebattery of the connected mobile computing device. The shutoff switch 4is a programmable electrical switch capable of opening or closing acircuit in response to a command received from an electronicallyconnected microcontroller 5. The microcontroller 5 is a processingdevice that interprets commands received from the remote computingdevice and uses these commands to manage the operation of the electricalcomponents within the present invention. The wireless communicationmodule 6 is a wireless radio that connects and communicates withexternal devices via wireless data transmission protocols. The wirelesscommunication module 6 is capable of using standards including, but notlimited to, such as Bluetooth, WI-FI, GSM, CDMA, and ZigBee.

The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allow thepresent invention to selectively transfer electrical power from anexternal power source to the mobile computing device. The electricalplug 2 is electrically connected to the output terminal 3 through theshutoff switch 4 so that the shutoff switch 4 is able to govern the flowof electrical current from the electrical plug 2 to the output terminal3. The microcontroller 5 is electronically connected to the shutoffswitch 4. Consequently, the microcontroller 5 is able to issue thecommands which direct the shutoff switch 4 to open the circuit betweenthe electrical plug 2 and the output terminal 3; thus, preventingelectrical current to flow between the electrical plug and the outputterminal. Conversely, the microcontroller 5 is able to issue thecommands that direct the shutoff switch 4 to close the circuit betweenthe electrical plug 2 and the output terminal 3; thus, enablingelectrical current to flow between the two components. Finally, thewireless communication module 6 is electronically connected to themicrocontroller 5. As a result, the wireless communication module 6 isable to transmit wirelessly received commands to the microcontroller 5.This connection enables the microcontroller 5 to execute the commandsthat have been wirelessly issued by the remote computing device.

In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention further comprises a casing1, which provides a structural enclosure for the other components of thepresent invention. The casing 1 is preferably a rigid housing used tomaintain the components of the present invention in desired positions.As such, the shutoff switch 4, the microcontroller 5, and the wirelesscommunication module 6 are positioned within the casing 1. Thus, thecasing 1 protects these electronic components from being inadvertentlydamaged by objects in the external environment. The casing is apreferably an ergonomic shape so that a user is easilly able to insertthe electrical plug 2 into any kind of external power supply, such aswall sockets, surge protectors, extension cords, etc. The electricalplug 2 traverses out of the casing 1. Accordingly, the electrical plug 2is able to connect the casing 1 to the electrical socket of an externalpower supply. This connection forms a detachable mount that maintainsthe present invention in a fixed position until the electrical plug 2 isdetached from the external power supply. Additionally, the detachableconnection with the external power supply that is established by theelectrical plug 2 maintains the electrical plug 2 in electricalcommunication with the external power supply.

In a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, the outputplug 2 is a female electrical receptacle into which the user is able toinsert the male connector of a standard wall charger. In thisembodiment, the present invention functions as an intermediary devicethat is positioned between the standard wall charger and the mobilecomputing device. Thus positioned, the present invention is able tointerrupt the flow of electrical power from the standard wall charger tothe connected mobile computing device based on commands issued by themobile computing device.

The output terminal 3 traverses into the casing 1 so that a mobilecomputing device is able to electrically connect to the presentinvention. The electrical plug 2 is preferably a male terminal that isinserted into a female socket. Conversely, the output terminal 3 ispreferably a receptacle into which a male terminal is inserted. In thepresent invention, the electrical plug 2 is designed to meet thespecifications for types A through O of the international standards forelectrical outlet plugs. A third alternative embodiment of the presentinvention is designed with an electrical plug 2 that can be connected tothe cigarette lighter receptacle of a vehicle.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention furthercomprises a rectifier 7 that is used to convert the alternating current(AC) voltage delivered by the external power supply into direct current(DC) that is used to charge the battery of the connected mobilecomputing device. Additionally, the present invention further comprisesa voltage regulator 8 that is an electrical component used to maintainthe DC voltage that is generated by the rectifier 7 at a constant level.The rectifier 7 is electrically connected to the voltage regulator 8.Consequently, the voltage regulator 8 is able to use the irregularvoltage generated by the rectifier 7 to output a constant voltage. Therectifier 7 and the voltage regulator 8 are electrically integrated inbetween the electrical plug 2 and the output terminal 3. As a result,the rectifier 7 and the voltage regulator 8 are able to convert the ACvoltage that is supplied to the electrical plug 2 into a DC voltagewhich can be delivered to the battery of the connected mobile computingdevice. More specifically, the rectifier 7 and the voltage regulator 8being electrically integrated in between the electrical plug 2 and theshutoff switch 4. Thus integrated, the shutoff switch 4 is able to opento prevent power surges as well as the flow of electrical power into theconnected mobile computing device.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention furthercomprises a display device 9 that is used to generate a visualrepresentation of the electrical state of the battery of the mobilecomputing device that is connected to the output terminal 3. The displaydevice 9 is electronically connected to the microcontroller 5 so thatthe microcontroller 5 is able to dictate the type of information whichis visually output by the display device 9. Furthermore, the displaydevice 9 is externally mounted to the casing 1. Consequently, thedisplay device 9 is maintained in a position that facilitates visualinspection by the user. That is, the display device 9 is mounted ontothe casing 1 in a position that enables the user to easily determine theelectrical state of the connected mobile computing device 10. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the display device 9 is aplurality of light emitting diodes (LED) positioned on the exteriorsurface of the casing 1. In this embodiment, the display device 9illuminates one or more LEDs to indicate the charge in a connecteddevice, as well as the state of the current charging operation. In afourth alternative embodiment of the present invention, the displaydevice 9 is a digital display capable of rendering text and graphics toconvey pertinent system information.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a system for implementing thepower-regulating charger described herein further comprises a mobilecomputing device 10. The use of this system enables the power-regulatingcharger to charge the battery of the mobile computing device 10.Additionally, the system enables the mobile computing device 10 towirelessly transmit commands to the power-regulating charger. Thetransmitted commands direct the power-regulating charger to deliverpower to, or to cease delivering power to, the mobile computing device10. To accomplish this, the mobile computing device 10 comprises aportable power source 11 which is preferably a rechargeable battery.Furthermore, the output terminal 3 is operatively coupled to a portablepower source 11, wherein the output terminal 3 is used to recharge theportable power source 11. Consequently, the output terminal 3 is able todeliver electrical power to the portable power source 11. In a fifthalternate embodiment of the present invention, the output terminal 3 andportable power source 11 are equipped with wireless charging systems. Inthis embodiment, the output terminal 3 uses electromagnetic fields totransfer electrical power to the portable power source 11. The mobilecomputing device 10 is communicably coupled to the wirelesscommunication module 6. As a result, the mobile computing device 10 isable to wirelessly transmit commands to the power-regulating charger. Inthe preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system forimplementing the power-regulating charger further comprises a power cord12. The output terminal 3 is electrically connected to the portablepower source 11 by the power cord 12. As a result, the power-regulatingcharger is able to deliver electrical power to the mobile computingdevice 10 through the physically connection established through thepower cord 12.

To implement the aforementioned system, the present invention makes useof a software control system that is a program used initiate orterminate charging operations based on the amount of charge in thebattery of a smartphone. The software control system comprises a userinterface (UI) engine, a hysteresis engine, and an operation controlengine. The term ‘engine’ is used herein to refer to collections ofprograms that are grouped based upon function. The software controlsystem enables a user to set the amount of charge stored in a portablepower source where the present invention enables or inhibits currentflow to a connected mobile computing device. That is, the UI engineenables the user to select the percentage of battery depletion where theoperation control engine will generate a start command; instructing thepresent invention to initiate a charging operation. Additionally, the UIengine is enables the user to set the percentage charge where theoperation control engine generates a stop command; instructing thepresent invention to terminate the charging operation.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A charging system comprising: a casing; anelectrical plug; an output terminal, the output terminal being anelectrical receptacle; a shutoff switch; a microcontroller; a wirelesscommunication module; a rectifier; a voltage regulator; a displaydevice; a mobile computing device, the mobile computing devicecomprising a portable power source; a power cord; the electrical plugand the electrical receptacle traversing through the casing; the shutoffswitch, the microcontroller, the wireless communication module, therectifier and the voltage regulator being positioned within the casing;the display device being mounted onto an exterior surface of the casing;the mobile computing device and the power cord being positioned outsidesthe casing; the electrical plug being electrically connected to theportable power source of the mobile computing device sequentiallythrough the rectifier, the voltage regulator, the shutoff switch, theelectrical receptacle and the power cord; the microcontroller and theshutoff switch being electronically connected to each other; themicrocontroller and the wireless communication module beingelectronically connected to each other; the microcontroller and thedisplay device being electronically connected to each other; therectifier, the voltage regulator and the shutoff switch beingelectrically integrated in between the electrical plug and theelectrical receptacle; the electrical plug being configured to beelectronically connected to an external power source such that theportable power source of the mobile computing device is charged via anelectrical power supplied from the external power source; and the mobilecomputing device being communicably coupled to the wirelesscommunication module so as to wirelessly transmit commands to thewireless communication module.